This certificate course of study prepares a graduate for employment in a hospital, or a related healthcare setting, analyzing charts in order to assign codes using the ICD-10-CM, CPT-4, and DSM V-TR classification systems. Graduates are also able to use computer software encoders to obtain codes; the Medicare DRG, APR groupers for inpatients; and the APC grouper for assigning APCs for reimbursement. Students gain practice in coding a variety of medical specialties and problems, of acute care, ambulatory, and long-term care patients. This practice requires additional time in the lab during OPEN LAB time. This program can be completed by taking courses during the day, afternoon, and the evenings.
While this certificate requires only 37 credits, it takes three or four semesters to complete because of course prerequisites. Students who complete the requirements earn the certificate as a Coding Specialist. Graduates are eligible to take the certification examinations administered by the American Health Information Management Association. Following graduation, the student may take the exam. Passing the exam entitles the student to use the initials CCA (Certified Coding Associate). After coding for three years, the graduate may take examinations to be recognized as a CCS (Certified Coding Specialist), or a CCS-P (Certified Coding Specialist- Physician Based), depending on whether the hospital or physician’s office certification exam is taken.
Students must score 35 or higher on the science placement test to be exempt from BIO 101 or BIO 102 . Transfer and returning students may be required to repeat any AH and HIT course whose credits are more than three years old.
Students must earn a “C” or better in BIO 202 \BIO 203 and all AH and HIT courses. For additional information regarding admission and/or continued enrollment in the program, students should contact the program coordinator.
Note: BCCC reserves the right to modify the above regulations/requirements at anytime in the student’s enrollment.
** All BCCC students must meet the College’s Computer Literacy requirements in order to receive a degree or a certificate. All first-time, full- and part-time degree and certificate seeking students are required to complete the PRE 100 course within the first six credits.
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